We Will Never Serve Your Gods

One Year Reading Plan: Daniel 2:24–3:30, 1 Peter 4:7–5:14, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 28:15-16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

JUST PICTURE THE SCENE. Thousands of people from throughout the kingdom of Babylon gathered to dedicate the ninety-foot golden image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. He intended to unify all these conquered peoples from various lands by setting before them one object of worship —his own greatness. A world-class orchestra provided a soundtrack as the people fell down to worship the golden image. Surely common sense screamed to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Keep a low profile and live to fight another day. . . . There’s nothing to be gained by dying now when you have such valuable positions of influence. . . . What matters is what’s in your hearts, so bowing wouldn’t be a big deal. Yet in the sea of people with faces to the ground, three men remained standing, knowing full well a fire was being stoked for all who refused to bow.

These three had heard Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream —God’s revelation that all the world’s powers would turn to dust and blow away in the wind. Evidently this made them less impressed by the image they were being told to bow down to and the person telling them to do it. They knew they were part of a Kingdom to come that cannot be destroyed, even by fire, so they were less afraid of the flames. Their confidence in their true King and his ability to deliver them was far greater than their fear of the human king and his ability to destroy them.

Lord, please fill ________ with a deep sense of belonging to a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed. Give ________ the courage to face the fires of persecution. In the fires of life, may ________ experience your presence like never before.

From the book